Remembering shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, on the occasion of his 102nd birth anniversary. One of India’s most famed musicians, Khan is also referred as Ustad, or master, a title given to him as an honorary appreciation for his work.

Published: March 21, 2018 9:11:50 pm

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One of India’s most famed musicians, shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan is also referred as Ustad, or master, a title given to him as an honorary appreciation for his work. On his 102nd birth anniversary, here is a collection of pictures to reminisce the beauty of his talent. He is also credited with elevating the status of shehnai from an essential folk instrument to a global audience. (Source: Express Archives)

“Ustad was famously devoted to his art and often referred to his shehnai as his begum [wife],” Google said in its tribute. His shehnais made news even after his death. (Source: Express Archives)

Google on Wednesday celebrated the 102nd birth anniversary of shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan with a doodle. The sketch depicts Khan playing the shehnai against the backdrop of a geometric style pattern.
(Source: Express Archives)

(Source: Express Archives)

When he was born, his grandfather apparently exclaimed ‘Bismillah’ upon seeing him, thus giving him the name.
(Source: Express Archives)

He started playing in public when he was 14. However, it was his performance at the All Indian Music Conference in Kolkata in 1937 that brought him fame across the country. (Source: Express Archives)

Bismillah Khan has performed at the Edinburgh Music Festival as well, which helped take his music to a global audience.
(Source: Express Archives)

(Source: Express Archives)

ndia’s declaration of independence from Red Fort in 1947 and the creation of the Indian republic in 1950 were heralded by Khan’s shehnai. Even today his music is played during Republic Day celebrations. (Source: Express Archives)

He was a recipient of the Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Bhushan (1968), Padma Vibhushan (1980) and the Padma Shri (1961).
“Even if the world ends, the music will still survive… music has no caste,” is one of his famous quotes. Khan died on August 21, 2006. (Source: Express Archives)